Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March #BookReview #Historical #Mystery @NetGalley @StMartinsPress
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
I am in such a happy place, thrilled beyond measure to be transported to the OLD BOMBAY of the 19th century. The author has captured the era so beautifully that one can hear the clock tower chiming the hour from the Rajabai tower.
The story is one of those rare treasure that has brilliantly interwoven a murder mystery with pure historical facts. The author’s website gives a gallery of the images that had inspired her characters and have to say each of those are inspiring.
Captain James Agnihotri has been given a medical discharge; Sherlock Holmes, his ray of hope during the long months of recuperation in the hospital. It is this ardent desire to emulate his hero that a newspaper report of a double suicide that sounds mysterious and dubious piques his interest and sets him on the road of self-discovery. The enquiries that he undertakes for the sake of the Framji family his means of escape as the son Adi becomes his best friend and the daughter Diana his sunshine.
The journey of clues takes him across to Lahore, to Shimla, to borders of Pathankot in Kabul, the war torn countryside tearing him into pieces as he becomes aware of the children torn away from their homes and the lovable tale of Chutki woven thru the story gives a depth to the character of James, an Anglo Indian who always feel bereft, neither an Indian nor ‘Angrez’ (English/British) enough to belong to either sides.
The romance between Diana and James showcases the class and religious divide that was predominant in those days but I loved how the author has shown a father who is unable to break free of his traditions and beliefs.
Murder In Old Bombay has lot going for it, the amazing and detailed writing that entrances a reader and enchanting us with varied and diverse culture and subjects. There’s something about a story that touches the very core of one’s heart, one can’t help but love it immensely and this book is just that for me.
Looking forward in anticipation to the sequel of this dynamic tale.
In 19th century Bombay, Captain Jim Agnihotri channels his idol, Sherlock Holmes, in Nev March’s Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning debut.
In 1892, Bombay is the center of British India. Nearby, Captain Jim Agnihotri lies in Poona military hospital recovering from a skirmish on the wild northern frontier, with little to do but re-read the tales of his idol, Sherlock Holmes, and browse the daily papers. The case that catches Captain Jim’s attention is being called the crime of the century: Two women fell from the busy university’s clock tower in broad daylight. Moved by Adi, the widower of one of the victims — his certainty that his wife and sister did not commit suicide — Captain Jim approaches the Parsee family and is hired to investigate what happened that terrible afternoon.
But in a land of divided loyalties, asking questions is dangerous. Captain Jim’s investigation disturbs the shadows that seem to follow the Framji family and triggers an ominous chain of events. And when lively Lady Diana Framji joins the hunt for her sisters’ attackers, Captain Jim’s heart isn’t safe, either.
Based on a true story, and set against the vibrant backdrop of colonial India, Nev March’s Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning lyrical debut, Murder in Old Bombay, brings this tumultuous historical age to life.
Originally published at http://rainnbooks.com on November 10, 2020.
